The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has announced that the Doomsday Clock remains set at 90 seconds to midnight, indicating the world's ongoing perilous state.
According to a press release issued by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, custodians of the Doomsday Clock, an array of global threats are responsible for maintaining this critical time. The Bulletin highlighted several issues including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the war in Gaza, and the breakdown of nuclear arms reduction agreements. It also pointed out environmental crises and advancements in genetic engineering technologies and generative artificial intelligence (AI).
The press release further elaborated on the role of the Atomic Scientists’ Science and Security Board (SASB) in determining the Doomsday Clock’s time. Established in 1945, SASB consults with its Board of Sponsors, formed by Albert Einstein in 1948—who also founded the Bulletin three years prior. In January 2023, SASB positioned the clock at 90 seconds to midnight—the closest it has ever been.
The Bulletin's press release emphasized that generative AI is considered a significant technological development since 2023 with enormous potential to corrupt information sources used to address global challenges. The press release underscored other risks such as malevolent actors exploiting AI for misusing biology or creating hazardous biological materials. The military application of AI was another area of concern mentioned. "Of particular concern are lethal autonomous weapons, which identify and destroy targets without human intervention. Decisions to put AI in control of important physical systems—in particular, nuclear weapons—could indeed pose a direct existential threat to humanity."
Rachel Bronson, the Bulletin’s president and CEO, concluded with a warning: "Make no mistake: resetting the Clock at 90 seconds to midnight is not an indication that the world is stable. Quite the opposite. It’s urgent for governments and communities around the world to act. And we remain hopeful—and inspired—in seeing younger generations leading the charge."
